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Florida’s Wackiest Attractions

15 Jul 2015

The Sunshine State may be best known for its great weather, Mickey Mouse and a plethora of family-friendly theme parks, but it isn't shortage on the offbeat either. We’ve been finding out all about Florida’s weird, wonderful, quirky, interesting and downright bizarre attractions – here’s a handful of our favourites to add to your itinerary.

Coral Castle, Miami

This fantasy world was hand-carved from coral rock by one man over a period of 28 years. We don’t know how he did it either.

House inside a redwood tree, Tarpon Springs

Back in the 1930s, a Californian lumberjack took shelter from a storm inside the trunk of a giant redwood. Idea: turn it into a home! After surviving the tempest, the man – Jim Allen – bought his own section of redwood, hollowed it out and transformed it into a three-room home, in which he lived for seven years. The attraction is now owned by Allen’s granddaughter, Jamie, and although it’s based in Tarpon Springs, it is often being toured around North America.

Monument of States, Kissimmee

This 40-foot monument is a towering tribute to America’s unity, built from stones from each state, and was erected shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbour in WWII. Look closely and you’ll see more than rock: some states sent meteorite fragments, fossils, stalagmites and even bone.

Gatorland, Orlando

Sticking with the alligator theme – have you ever wanted to zipline above some ravenous ‘gators? Well now’s your chance. Gatorland celebrates everything about this territorial reptile in a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve. Fly down the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, watch the Rookie Wrestling and discover Florida’s most famous animal in the dark at Gator Night Shine.

Big Bend Power Station, Apollo Beach

Power stations don’t typically attract hordes of tourists, but this one’s a little different. In fact, it attracts something else that, in turn, attracts the visitors: manatees. These stereotypically gentle giants are drawn to the warm waters of the power station’s discharge canal, making it one of the best places for spotting the elusive sea cow.

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Once a roving local news reporter and now a travel-obsessed writer/sub, I'm head-over-heels for nature, wildlife and the ocean. When I'm not getting up close to animals and sea creatures, I'm seeking out the sets of my favourite TV shows around the world. Follow me @wonderg1rl89.